Hiking Mt. Takao:

            Our First Steps into the Mountains of Japan

     In a previous post, “Three Trails…”, I described how my family and I chose Mt. Takao as our very first hike in Japan. I also touched on the importance of proper footwear, which I later revisited in “Kyoto Toe…”. Now, with Mt. Takao officially behind us, I can share what worked, what didn’t, and—most importantly—what shoes carried us up the mountain.

     We picked Mt. Takao not just for its accessibility, but for its charm. This mountain offers a variety of experiences.  It's a nature walk, hike, sight seeing adventure with snacks. The trails pass shrines tucked beneath cedars, with the aroma of grilled dango drifting from mountaintop tea houses.  The chorus of cicadas buzz faintly through the trees, and the crunch of gravel underfoot becomes its own quiet rhythm. It’s hard to feel like you’re “roughing it” when you can pause mid-hike for sweet soy dumplings on a stick.

      If you’d like to go yourself, Mt. Takao sits on the outskirts of Hachioji in Tokyo Prefecture, about a two hour train ride on the Chuo line from Tokyo Station to Hachioji. From Hachioji you take the Takao line to the base of the mountain.  Once there, you'll see families in sneakers and seniors with walking sticks and an  occasional monk in  robes.  Mt. Takao welcomes everyone.

     For our adventure, my ever-patient son Liam and I laced up identical shoes: the Nortiv 8s, ordered straight from Amazon. (Confession: we both hate shoe shopping, so delivery was a blessing.) Fortunately, they came highly recommended—and at a fair price for beginners.

     So, how did they hold up? We judged them by seven key qualities every Mt. Takao hiker should consider:

1. Comfort is King

Mt. Takao is no Mt. Fuji. The trails are well maintained, and alpine boots aren’t necessary. A lightweight hiking shoe or trail runner that stays comfortable for several hours is more than enough. Slip them on, walk around, and trust how they feel.

2. Flexibility Matters

The most common routes take only two to three hours round trip. Heavy boots can feel clunky and excessive. Shoes that bend naturally with your foot are far better for a short hike.

3. Traction

The terrain changes constantly: paved stretches, gentle slopes, dirt paths, stone steps, and even rocky scrambles. Add in summer rain, and slick surfaces are almost guaranteed. A solid sole with good grip—like Vibram—makes all the difference between a confident step and a slippery slide.

4. Dress for the Season

We hiked in summer, when breathability was crucial. Shoes with mesh uppers kept our feet cool and prevented moisture buildup—a small detail that made a big difference.

5. Fit and Support

Nothing ruins a hike like blisters. Make sure your toes don’t jam the front of your shoes on steep descents, and consider light ankle support if you’re prone to rolling.

6. Balance and Weight

If you're traveling light just carrying water, snacks, and a camera then low-cut shoes or trail runners are fine. But if you plan to haul a heavier pack, mid-cut shoes can provide the extra balance you’ll want.

7. Socks and Insoles

Good shoes deserve good companions. Moisture-wicking socks (merino wool or synthetic) will keep your feet dry, and insoles can give extra support if you need it.

And the winner is ....

     Based on these characteristics the Nortiv 8 held up surprisingly well, and I’d recommend them to anyone tackling Mt. Takao for the first time. Affordable, comfortable, and easy to order—they turned out to be the right choice for us.

We’ve now worn these shoes consistently for two months, logging several hundred miles, and both of us agree they’re a solid 8 out of 10. They’re comfortable, inexpensive, adaptable to the environment, and offer excellent grip. The only drawback was sizing. Both my son and I wear a size 10, but these fit closer to a 10½, which meant doubling up on socks to avoid slippage. Even so, we both highly recommend them and plan to post another update after more use.

     Mt. Takao may not boast the grandeur of Fuji-san, but it has its own quiet magic. It’s a mountain where stone fox statues peek out from mossy shrines, where incense mingles with cedar-scented breezes, and where the city skyline suddenly appears between the trees like a painted backdrop. Once at the summit, the greatest dilemma is should I  hike another trail, or watch the sunset from the vista?